2009 International Kart Federation Rule Book changes of note:
 
Remember that Tri-C Karters runs its race events by the IKF rule book unless specifically stated otherwise in the club rules.  It is recommended that club members join the IKF and receive a rule book.  The Club has purchased copies of the 2009 rule book from the IKF and they are available for members to purchase in registration for $25.
 
Here are a few changes to the 2009 IKF rule book that Tri-C's Head of Post tech Gene Severino wants all club members to be aware of:
 
601.1 Spec Fuel:  VP MS98L-Karting has been selected as the spec fuel for all 2009 IKF 2-cycle Sprint classes.
 
104.6.1 Competition Age:   Competition age will be the highest age attained during the competition year (Jan 1 thru Dec 31).
 
104.6.5 Competition Age Exceptions: The IKF Board will authorize exceptions to the age rules for weight and/or experience on a case by case basis. Competitor must be within 12 months of their age group and requests have to be submitted in writing.  All decisions will be final.
 
105.2.1.13 Chain Covers:  All section 200 karts will require a chain cover.A Chain cover is a strip of metal or plastic that covers the chain and rear sprocket when viewed from above the kart.
 
105.6 Safety wire vs. Nyloc nuts: Any item that is required to use safety wire, a cotter key or snap ring may now use a "ONE USE" Nyloc fastener.  There are EXCEPTIONS that must be complied with:
         1.  Brake rotors must still be fastened to the brake hub with either metal lock nuts and/or a drilled and safety wired bolt.
         2. Any bolt previously drilled for safety wire must continue using safety wire as its retaining device.  The reason is a Nyloc fastener uses a nylon sleeve or plug (sleeve on a nut and a plug on a bolt) that acts as a locking device when installed.  When removed, the grasp the nylon provides is no longer strong enough to assure the original holding force.  This is made worse by running a Nyloc nut over a bolt that has a hole in it because the hole acts like a threading  tap and "cuts" a groove in the nylon retaining ring which reduces, if not eliminates, the fasteners holding power.  When you think this through, you can understand why Nyloc's are called "ONE USE" fastener. 
 
         AND 3, Weights:  Expect weights will be added to the list of exceptions as a clarification.  It was not the intention of the Board to eliminate or modify any of the section 105.2.1.21 ballast requirements as a result of the Nyloc additions to the safety fastening specifications.
 
When in doubt, drill and safety wire ..... a loose kart or part can hurt you, your fellow competitors or the folks who watch our sport from the sidelines
 
201.6 Rear Bumper: "Beginning 2010", Full width plastic (CIK) or steel bumpers will be required.  Minimum width will require the bumper to extend to the center line of each rear tire.  Maximum width will be the outside of the rear tires.  Rain tires will be the only allowable exception.
 
201.19.4 Junior Drivers Fairings:   Shall not be higher than the steering wheel and or wider than 10 ½ inches.
 
207 Rookie Sportsman Weight:  Changes to 235 lbs
 
208.3.5.2 Kid Kart Front Bumpers:  Minimum height is now 5 inches.
 
60.2.19  Engine Seal Integrity:  Both vacuum and pressure will be used to test the integrity of engine seals.  Seals must not lose more than 1 psi pressure and/or 1 inhg vacuum during a period of 60 seconds.  The test will be conducted by any means deemed appropriate by the tech inspector
 
620.53 HPV Clutch Friction Surfaces: Grinding or machining to reduce contact area is prohibited. And remember the drum and disc must have a Horstman Logo.
 
620.54 HPV Pipe Welded End Caps:  HPV-1, 2 & 3 pipes with welded end caps (marked by Horstman) will become available and legal in 2009.  They will be the only form of the pipe legal in those three classes beginning Jan 1, 2010.
 
620.57 HPV Bottom Ring:  Must be in place and is now a non-tech item.  Piston drop requirement will be dropped by an update published in the IKF Web site.
 
620.59.1 HPV Cadet Carburetor: The carburetor, manifold, phenolic spacer fuel line adaptor and filter cup must be "AS SUPPLIED" by Horstman.
 
623.4.2.1 WA55B with restricted manifold Intake Track Length: Measured without carburetor base gasket will be a minimum 2.600in and a maximum of 2.700in.
 
675.21 ROTAX Max Engine Fuel/Oil: These engines will run in IKF TAG classes using IKF fuel and oil but will be mixed using the fuel/oil ratios specified by Rotax Max Challenge (RMC) .
 
675.1 TAG General Rules: Where specifications on parts used on more than one engine are found, the more liberal tolerance will be used to inspect the item.  
 
Your Club Board has added a few other Items:
 
105.1.61 Head Gear: Full Coverage (full face) helmets designed for competitive motorsports use are mandatory and must comply with one of the following: (this is not new, but everyone needs to know about the expiration dates.)
Snell Foundation Specifications              Legal Until
1998 K (Kart)                                                   12-25-2007 (EXPIRED!!!)
2000 SA and M                                                12-25-2009
2005 SA and M                                                12-25-2014
2005 K                                                            12-25-2014    
SFI Specifications
24.1 (Youth helmet)                                         12-25-2012    
31.2a                                                              12-25-2012
41.2a                                                              12-25-2012
24.1 / 2005 (Youth Helmet)                              12-25-2014
31.1 / 2005                                                     12-25-2014
41.1 / 2005                                                     12-25-2014
 
Modification: Any addition of devices, whether aerodynamic or other, to helmets is prohibited unless such devices have been certified (By SNELL or SFI) with the helmets. It is the driver's responsibility to provide the helmet manufacturer's literature describing and added devices to the Pre-Tech inspectors if requested.